EVANGELICAL
MENNONITE <
IV
I
missincER
Ba
at; sic'1, IN THIS ISSUE:
The Fear of God
3
Sixteenth Annual Conference
6
Two Weeks' Allowance
10
EMC Nurses Fellowship
11
k.'<Li ■
people of God rather than treasures of Egypt. Today his name is on the roll of the faithful.
EDIT
lAL
ZEAL This morning as I was wracking my brain for an editorial, the door bell rang in the downstairs suite. As often happens, soon thereafter our doorbell rang. I said to my wife, "I'll go, its probably just another salesman." Often I halve thought how handy it would bo to have a tract rack at the front door but as it wasn't there yet I quickly had to search for a tract. Hurriedly, I went to the door to be met by as present ing and courteous and polite a man as you could wish for. Only this time it was not a salesman.
He told me they were having a convention (Christ ian) in the Winnipeg Auditorium and with the influx of people they would need extra accommodations and they were canvassing private homes. The natural thing for me to ask, of course, was for him to qualify his statement on what type or what church conven tion it was. So he graciously elaborated (Watch tower. ) There was not only one (I saw two) but there were SEVEN HUNDRED OF THEM canvassing the wnole city of Winnipeg between now and convention time, about 10 days away! This, as I quizzed him on iheir program. They were a regiment, well organized with a goal and a zeal. O church of God, who prides itself with having the truth. When will we match the zeal of the cults? In wardly I was convicted of my own lack of zeal and devotion. But I do hope I have learned an invaluable lesson to more aggressively than heretofore press the battle ere the night shall veil the glowing skies. * * *
IN TIMES LIKE THESE In a chaotic world where the Christian and non Christian alike are tempted to compromise conviction and principle there is desperately needed a voice to call back to the abiding values of life. Many today are yielding to social and cultural pressures and dis regarding the effects of this ungodly influence upon their souls. Day by day parents, teenagers, business people are forced to choose between that which has abiding values and that which like the vapour and mist will vanish. A Moses once was forced to choose between the "pleasures of sin" and the "reproach of Christ". He chose the reproach of Christ; the afflictions of the
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Far too often today when there is a pull to the sec ular the material to conform, convictions and prin ciples go by the board; the Spirit is quenched. And we are not talking about teenagers. Surely they could be more spiritual and dedicated. But what about the lack of dedication and conviction of sins of adults or parents? Have we transmitted a real sacrificial Christian heritage to our children or have they ob served us compromising here and there when under pressure? Have we been honest in business; serious in observing a family altar; zealous for the things of the Lord? Or have they noticed that when there is a choice between self-gratification and serving the Lord we often choose self? No doubt for too often.
God's recipe for revival (and church renewal) can not be improved on. He says, "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and" seek my face and turn from their ways; ihen will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." II Chron. 7:14. * * * HOME ON FURLOUGH Mr. and Mrs. John Peters and family, Janz Team Europe, arrived at the Winnipeg International airport on Saturday, July 2 to begin their furlough. They are making their temporary home 413 First street, Stein bach. Due to the shortage of workers at Red Rock the Peters are both at the Camp at present. Mr. Peters will also be engaged in other Camp and Conference work during July and August. Mr. Peters expects to return to Europe alone early in '67 for a few months. * * * Cover photo, courtesy Ontario Department of Travel and Publicity, shows man and little boy holding grain from grain elevator, Keministikia River, Fort William, Ont. Canada produces over 600,000,000 bushels of wheat alone per year. * *
Reporters this issue: Valley Stream, Mrs. Verna Neufeld; Bosenort, Johnnie Loewen ;Flin Flan, Waldon Doerksen; Morris Chapel, Mrs. H. Kroeker; Morweena, Gertie Penner.
The Messenger Official organ. In the English language, of the EVANGELICAL MENNONITE CON FERENCE. Published bi-weekly under the auspices of the E.M.C. BOARD OF PUBLI CATION AND EDUCATION. Editor, David K. Schellenberg. Box 25. Station "F", Winnipeg 5, Manitoba. All new subscriptions and change of address should be sent to Mr. Abe Kla ssen, Box 1447. Steinbach, Man. Subscription price to non-members $1.00 per year. All E.M.C. members pay through the church. Authorized as second class mall, Ppst Office Department, Ottawa, and for payment of postage In cash.
THE MESSENGER
CHURCH renewal (III)
THE
A
GOD
By the editor
In our church renewal series bro ther Loewen and brother Koop have called our attention to some of our weaknesses. Humility, said Loewen, is the first letter to turn to. It is the prerequisite for a spiritual renewal. Mr. Koop (last issue) drew our attention to the fact that low stand ards beget low performance. In other words we need to set our eyes on Jesus and not on each other, when looking for guides to spiritual manhood. Where else might lie the fault for spiritual lethargy and inacitvity? Could it not lie also in our low esti mate of God. A. W. Tozer, now gone to be with the Lord says in one of his books 1. "Were we able to extract from any man the complete answer to the question, 'What comes into your mind when you think about God?' we might predict with cer tainty the future of that man." Goethe, in speaking of the abuse of the divine name is reported to have said on one occasion, "People treat it (The divine name) as if that incomprehensible and most high being, who is even beyond the reach of thought, were only their equal. Otherwise they would not say 'the Lord God, the dear God, the good God.' This expression be-
July 22, 1966
comes to them, especially the cler gy, who have it daily in their mouths, a mere phrase a barren name, to which no thought what ever is attached. If they were im pressed by His greatness they would be dumb, and through ven eration unwilling to name Him."2 Although the poet was no doubt iwirting of the clergy of his day his time we need to admit that we too are often guilty. We need to strive for a true knowledge of the Holy if we want to experience in dividual and church renewal. A low estimation and a lack of reverance of God was one of the causes of the downfall of the hea then. Paul writing by inspiration says, 'WHEN THEY KNEW GOD THEY GLORIFIED HIM NOT AS GOD" Isn't that exactly what many today are doing? Man takes the glory due God. Further they also changed the glory of the uncorrupt ible God into an image. What about our modern gods? What about our idols? Are they made of wood and iron and tin? brightly painted on the outside, (cars, boats, motors, furniture, etc.) All may become idols and taking the place of real and abiding and eternal values. May God guard us against wasting
time and energy on things that will pass away with the using. In comparing God to fallen man we are also limiting Him. This was Israels sin. They limited the Holy one of Israel saying, "can God pre pare a table in the wilderness." We would do well to read again the fortieth chapter of Isaiah in order to get a true perspective of God. Read it slowly and prayerfully and you will be filled with a sense of awe and wonder and reverence that could well break out with, "Woe is me for I am undone, I am a man of unclean lips"3 Or with Peter whc< exclaimed, "depart from me for I am a sinful man,"4 when beholding the Lord. A new sense and awareness of God, the Holy one of Israel, is a must for church renewal. One of the Bible writers talks of Him as con suming fire. But He is also the com passionate God; the God of all mer cies; the forgiving God. Here is our salvation; the secret of possibility of renewal; our hope. 1 Knowledge of the Holy 2 Knowledge of the Holy, page '8 3 Isa. 6:5. 4 Luke 5:8
3
ter dinner I listened to the Heilsbotschaft (one of our broadcasts.) On the way to the .Manitoba Plan I picked up two boys who were on their way to Rubio. I asked them if they were acquainted with the broadcast. They said no. But after having told them that I was from Canada and spoke on the air every Sunday one of them said he had heard me two weeks ago. I arrived back in Picacho on Dec. 14 and set out for El Paso the next day. Having arrived in El Paso we again met up with Dave and Ed. who had left Picacho two days By Elmer Hamm earlier to pick up Ed's station wag on at Edinburgh, Texas. On the way home we stopped in at Meade, Kansas and had a look at the new Emmanuel church Homeward Bound located. We arrived at Picacho at under construction. Stayed at John The flight from Panama to Mex 3:00 p.m. after a rough, tiring ride K. Reimers for dinner. ico was in two stages with a stop on an old beat up bus. After a comparatively unevent over at Guatamala. From here on Jj—M-nr-Ti ful trip we arrived at Morris, Man we again travelled by bus, leaving itoba at 8 p.m. At midnight I took ! Mexico City on Sunday morning. a train fot home arriving in Swift (Dec. 5). Current at 9:30 the next morning. Towards evening we brethren It was a joyous reunion after six parted ways. They going on to Chi weeks absence and travelling some huahua and Picacho; I to the Meni 12000 miles by car, bus, taxi, boat, t nonite Colonies at Durango. Having 31 airplane, horse and buggy, and on boarded my bus and travelled some foot. 20 miles I found to my surprise we ‘i There was much cause for praise were going in the wrong direction; Second class bus. to our wonderful Lord for a safe back to Mexico City. Fortunately and prosperous journey and for there was another bus going to Durango which I boarded and Here I had the opportunity to take keeping the family well and wait again was on my way. pari in a Bible study in one of the ing. We arrived in Durango at 2:00 Mexican villages as well as be pre Truly our hearts have become a.m. and found out my next bus (to sent at a baptismal service where more burdened for the millions of Potos) would leave at 6 a.m. four souls were baptized. I deeply lost souls in Mexico and Central Having arrived at Patos I tried enjoyed the service. America. We have rejoiced to see to explain to the taxi driver where On Dec. 11 I started out for the what God has wrought through the I would like to go. Another Men- Old Colony Mennonite setllements. faithful ministry of His servants. nonite (Peter Friesen) came up We spent most of the day on the However we realize there are yel and helped as interpreter. Swift Plan visiting some nine plac many towns and villages without I arrived at Cornelius Schmidts es. These are people who moved a Gospel witness. Shall we continue at 9:30 a.m. and received a warm here in the 2O's from Swift Current, to pray the Lord of the harvest to welcome. After dinner Mr. Schmidt Sask. area. send forth labourers into His har took me visiting, via horse and My main object here was to make vest. buggy. Mr. Schmidt has a concern an overall survey of the effective (The End) for their church. ness of our radio broadcast work. At Patos I also visited the MB On Sunday morning I visited an maternity clinic. They also have a Old Colony Mennonite Church chu;ch here. where Rev. Ben Dyck (uncle to Rev. From here the road led back to John Dyck, Portage EMC) is the Durango and Chihuahua and finally minister. A good number of people Picacho where our mission field is were out but few young people. Af
m
3) ’
MISSI®
4
THE MESSENGER
Central America and
Mexico
Some
Facts
and
Fifty per cent live off agriculture. The Christian community including Church of England membership is reported to be around 27,000. GUATAMALA Population is over 4,000,000 with ’ess than 5% white. The people are Indians mainly from Mayan stock. It is reported to be 90% Catholic. 72% are illiterate. Exports are cat tle and coffee. 'The Central Ameri can Bible Institute showed an en rollment of 50 students in 1965 Other mission work is done by Presbyter ians and Baptists. EL SALVADOR The name means, "The Saviour". Small but the most densely popu lated country of Central America. Coffee constitutes 85 per cent of for-
PANAMA The population of Panama is over 1,267,776 with 10 percent Indian. The capitol, Panama City, has a population oiver 350,000. Spanish as well as English is spoken in the large cities. It is said to be a diffi
eign exchange. The Assesmblies of of God are the largest group here. They are reported to have an ex cellent bookstore in Santa Ana. NICARAGUA This is the largest of the Central American republics. The population is over 1,335,000 and increasing at 35,000 a year. It is over 60 percent illiterate. The Moravian church is most active here, with secondary school and Indian work. The Amer ican Baptists have a hospital, clinic and nurses training program. COSTA RICA The name means, "rich coast". Population is 1,350,000. The capitol
cult field, for political reasons ( Be cause of tensions over the Canal zone) Among Missionary Societies working here is the Gospel Mission ary Union who in January of this year reported six single mission aries and nine couples working in this country (Two of the couples, Gilbert Reimers and Clifford Rei mers are from the EMC.) CANAL ZONE Is operated by the U.S. govern ment. There are said to be over 90,000 military and civilian person nel living here. Several evangelical churches are said to be ministering in the large population centers.
is San Jose with a population of 100,000. It is said to have a good educational system with more tea chers than soldiers. Has a demo cratic government. It is 80 percent white population. Of this there are 90 percent Catholic. The Central America Mission has the oldest work here. The Latin American Mis sion has its headquarters here in cluding a Seminary, Bible Institute, orphanage, etc.
Figures
Central America and Mexico as the report by Elmer Hamm indicated are spiritually needy Helds. The population ol Mexico alone is twice that of Canada. Following are some pertinent facts on these Latin American countries.
MEXICO Population over 40,000,000. Al most 50% will soon be classed as living in urban areas. 'The people are Spanish and Indian with a mix ture of French and English in some areas. Forty per cent ore classed as illiterate. Mexico City, a former Aztec center, has a population of 6,000,000. HONDURAS The name means ''deep water" Population is over 2,000,000. The people ore mainly Spanish Indian. There is no state supported religion. The capitol is- Tegucigalpa with a population of 50,887. Reportedly a very backward country. BRITISH HONDURAS Has a population of over 90,000. It is a British crown colony situated on the N.E. Central American coast. The capitol is Belize. The people are of mixed races, Negro, Creola, Maya Indian, English and Spanish. QFacts and figures adapted. Moody Monthly, Vol. 66. No. 3)
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July 22, 1966 ' '•'if
.is-....4-/? i
Archie Penner, who spoke on the topic, "The Filling ol the Holy Spriit."
6
Sixteenl EMC Cc
The sixteenth annual conference of the EMC has come and gone. Sessions were held in the Prairie Rose Church. Due to the exception ally heavy rainfall on Saturday it was questioned whether to continue with the conference. Nevertheless, the decision was to go on as planned. By Sunday the rain had The scene outside ceased and sessions were well at alter the aiternoon tended. service on Sunday. The host pastor, F. D. Reimer, in welcoming the guests on Friday night said, "It gives us real joy to welcome each and every one of you to this our 16th annual confer ence. We want you to feel at home . . ." He read out of Ephesians 3 for an opening. After this, moder ator P. L. Friesen gave the welcome in the name of the Conference. "We have the assurance that the Lord will richly bless," said he. FridayA mass choir under Heard at this first session were the direction oi Dave reports on Welfare and on MCC Friesen sang on Sun (Manitoba). The first of five main day evening. messages on the Holy Spirit was given by Gladwin Plett, West Indies missionary. His particular topic. The Personality oi the Holy Spirit. The offering on Friday night went to Mexico Mission work netted $216.00 Saturday The Saturday night session was devoted to Youth. Norman Bartel was the chairman. There was a lot of singing on the program, nine numbers in song. There were two Seen on this picture topic speeches, one by Stan Plett, are lelt to right mod Ridgewood and one by Elmer Warerator P. L. Friesen, kentin, Rosenort. The main message. vice-moderator, F. D. The Work oi the Holy Spirit, was Reimer CPr. Rose') and delivered by C. R. Plett, pastor of Lawrence Klippenstein. the Aberdeen EMC, Winnipeg. The The latter made the offering, for extension work, was closing. $246.00.
THE MESSENGER
I Annual iference Sunday On Sunday morning the message was given by Menno Kroeker, Rosenort and the third theme. The Gilts ol the Holy Spirit, was expounded by Ben Friesen. The speaker at the outset posed a number of disturb ing quesetions as: 1. Do we not suf fer from a lack or even absence of some gifts? 2. Does the fact that a few do the spiritual work, and the majority are spectators suggest a lack? 3. Is perhaps our greatest problem in the area of denying we hctve gifts? Fine weather prevailed on Sun day afternoon which no doubt also saw the largest audience of the conference. Two reports were given. Voluntary Service (now Christian Service) and the Conference re port. The latter by John P. Loewen, Blumenort. A further report was aiven on Sewing Circles by Mrs. Ernie Siemens of Rosenort. The main message was delivered by Archie Penner. The theme being. The Filling ol the Spirit. "The man or woman,” said he, "when filled with the Holy Spirit is controlled by the Spirit." The speaker referred to three actions of the Holy Spirit namely: that He baptized. He gave gift.s and He filled. The filling hap pens at every juncture where the Christian says, yes, I surrender to God" he cnotinued, "in business, in deciding our vocation, in courtship relations, in getting married, in go ing to church, for correct doctrinal convictions, to live and to die. The offering came to $420.40 and went the Steinbach Bible Institute. Law rence Klippenstein of the Canadian Mennonite Bible College made the closing. July 22, 1966
It was also a time of renewing acquaint ances. Facing camera are Art Neuleld, minis ter Kola EMC Clelf) and Dave Harms, min ister Roseisle EMC. ^center').
Sunday ..afternoon, "vaspa” was served safeleria style and many people were fed in a short time.
I wonder what they are discussing? C. K. Plett, Pr. Rose, and P. X. Friesen, Morris.
1 The Mission Board also met during these days.
p I
ItNEWS! tL___ v’.'v
VALLEY STREAM
BapUsmal Services Held "O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee." (.Psa. 84:12). We thank and praise the Lord Christ Je sus for the eight young people that have followed Him in baptism on June 26, and have dedicated their lives to follow Christ in a new and living Way. The choir sang "Beyond the Smiling”, and "There's a Home Beyond the River." We were privileged to have Mr. Gordon Neu feld sing "I'd Rather Have Jesus." The baptismal candidates were Maggie Rempel, Sara Rempel, Betty Rempel, Eleanor Harder, Margaret Goertzen, Frank Rempel, Neil Rempel, and Henry Goertzen. The communion service followed in the afternoon. ROSENORT Vacation Bible School The summer months are here and with this season comes the planning of how to best make use of this "Vacation" time. 'The local mission board sponsored a special rally on Sunday, June 26th to promote in terest in the Vacation Bible School program. Rev. John Koop of Kamsack was the guest speaker at this occasion. Many people frequent the beaches and summer resorts during the months of July and August to get away from the everyday routine at home Why not consider a week or two of DVBS and sow the Word of God and reap eternal fruit. You heard the plan of salvation from others and others are now entitled to hear it from you. Baptismal Service A baptismal service was held on Sunday, July 10th. The following young people were baptized on profession of faith: Gerry (Henry B. Duecks) Edward (Jacob K. Loewens) Dave Stoesz (Henry F. Friesens) Adela Elvira (John F. Friesens) In the afternoon of the same day Holy Communion was observed. Heavy Ralnlall An unprecedented rain virtually inundated a large area of the Red River Valley on
the Dominion Day weekend. In some local ities the rainfall gauged an almost unbeliev able 7 inches within a 24-hour period! It again goes to show that all things are sent and controlled by a Higher Power Who knows what is best for mankind and may everyone who experienced the loss of a promising crop accept it in such a spirit.
FLIN ELON Summer with all its bustling activities is here again. Daily Vacation Bible School is right in the midst of these activities. With it go the advertising, the anxious moments of hoping that the material will arrive on time and that enough teachers will be avail able for teaching. Again the needs have been met wonderfully. Already interest has been shown for DVBS on the part of the children. If VBS is in the spotlight now, then Bible Camp will certainly take its place in a few weeks. A lot of cleanup work has been done already with the young people pitch ing in to help too. A boys dormitory is to be built before camptime rolls around. With some lumber already at camp and with a little bit of help and supervision, this aim should be reached. This year the counsellors themselves will be in charge of the services instead of having a speaker. Summertime means holiday time and this is noticed distinctly on the attendance. Howchildren in Sunday School is just as great ever the challenge ot teaching two or three as teaching seven or eight.. No one week would seem complete with out the practical mtd-week Bible Study and Prayer Meeting; for here it is that solutions to problems are discussed, new seeds are brought to light, and many blessings are received.
New responsibilities are realized as vacancies in the church ranks occur. In April, the Henry Koops left and now the Elmer Bartels have changed home towns as well. Pastor and Mrs. Koop attended missionary candidate school at Three Hills, Alta, and have been accepted as candidates under the Japan Evangelical Mission. They are looking forward to that time when they will be going out to minister to those oriental people. As yet no plans for leaving are definite. We are praying that when their time for service here is ended that there will be a replacement for them. MORRIS CHAPEL The Morris EMC church had its annual S.S. picnic at the Clubb farm on June 12th.
There was a very good turnout, although wo still would like to see many more town children. We had a short program with a devotional by our pastor, some accordion music, a Spanish trio, etc. There was a feel ing of close knit fellowship. Two Baptized We were blest in that the Lord granted us our first baptismal service on July 19th, with two new members added to the fold, namely Ilrma Remple, daughter of H. B. Remples, and Martha Brandt, daughter of H. H| Brandts. We pray that in these func tions we may serve as magnets to our town people. Our pastor, C. B. Loewen officated, while Vic. Hildebrandt made the opening to the service. The Lome Komelsons served with special numbers in song. The same afternoon of July 19th we had our second observance of the Lord's Supper. We had our first one in March, but wanted one again for the newly baptized ones and for the ones who have since returned from work at Kenora. Mission Night On the evening of the 19th we had our monthly mission night. Sister Dora Friesen reported from the Rio Grande Bible Institute, Edinburgh, Texas, where she has served as dean for the past term. This is a Spanish Bible Institute where Mexicans and mission aries study in the Spanish language. Bro. Jac. P. Kroeker then showed us slides from the Spanish Bible School, founded by our Mission Board, and reported from their field of work. Sister Betty Friesen, who has also just returned from there, related a few of her experiences and ended with "Truly Mexico is a field white unto harvest." They greatly need more workers. We are again sponsoring town children for Red Rock Bible Camp. Elmer Warkentin, our S.S. supt. is looking after the registra tions We want to welcome to our congregation the Pete Wiebes from Steinbach. They are fellowshipping with us regularly, and are already assisting in difficult positions. Also worshipping regularly with us are the Johnny Dycks who came from Sluartburn last October. Sunday Schoo! Record Our Sunday school attendance again broke the record at 108 on the 19th. At this rate our new church building will have to become reality. A joint DVBS is planned by the EMC and Bergthaler churches of Morris for July. Preparatory classes are now being held for teachers.
THE MESSENGER
T I
I
Literature Booth We are planning a literature booth to be set up on our new church lot, just north of the fair grounds. This to be opened for the Stampede weeks as Morris is expecting an influx of 80,000 people. Pray with us that this may serve for the furtherance of God's kingdom—to see souls won I
MORWEENA Our Sunday school picnic look place on Thursday, July 7. First a short program was rendered in the open air by singing a few choruses and the Sunday school classes brought by the teachers. Then we all en joyed a lunch together. After the lunch we had a game of baseball and some other gomes for the smaller children. It I
V/e hope that this will hove brought a better acquaintance between the teachers and the children.
BIRTHS To Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Plett of Arborg, a son, Lewellyn Roy, on July 9.
time. They were Fisher Branch (37 members), St. Charles (11 mem bers), Arden (19 members) and Morris (42 members). The Sunday night offering was designated for Paraguay and came to $413.61. A short report on present conditions in Paraguay preceded the taking of the offering. There ore now four missionaries in East Paraguay and nine in Chaco. There are a report ed 124 baptized members. Moderator P. L. Friesen in clos ing thanked the Prairie Rose church for its hospitality. He also expressed thanks for all the messages and all those who had a part in the con ference. "May we go from here as doers of the word" said he, "moti vated by the Lord's Spirit." The Sunday afternoon lunch was served by the ladies of the church who did an admirable job in feed ing the multitude present. A hearty
thank-you is in order for this labour of love. The final hymn, Have Thine Own Way, Lord, suggested by Henry Komelsen, Ridgewood seemed a very fitting way to close the 1966 EMC annual conference. COMING EVENTS JULY 24-31: Barry Moore Crusade. Komelsen school grounds, Steinbach, Man. AUGUST 12-15: EMC Youth Reireat, Steeprock Bay. AUGUST 19: Minister-Teacher-DeaconTrustee Fellowship meeting (Place to be announced). OCT. 26 - NOV. 4: World Congress on Evangelism, Berlin, Germany. JULY 23-30 (1967): Mennonite World Conference, Amsterdam the Nether lands.
Building Progress in St. Charles
ANNUAL CONFERENCE (Cont'd.)
t
At the closing session three re ports were heard. The Song Lead ers report by Neil Dueck, Kleefeld. The Board of Education and Publi cation report by Gerry Doerksen and Conference Council, by P. L. Friesen. A fitting poem was ren dered by Mary Harms of Riverton. The final message was given by Milton Fast of Kleefeld on The Fruit of the Spirit.
The Conference Council report dealt with a number of elections as MCC, Eden Mental Health Center and MDS. The Steinbach Bible In stitute now has a Board of 15 mem bers, the three additional ones com ing from the EMMC. This church had been invited to participate of ficially in the school and responded by naming three members to the Board. The three mmebers are Dave Sawatzky, Pastor, Rosenfeld. Ben Sawatzky, Pastor, Gospel Fellow ship chapel, Winnipeg and Jacob Rempel, Pastor, Niverville.
Four churches were to be accept ed into the Conference for the first July 22, 1966
s. t
T*CRESTVIEW 5 ^FELLOWSHIP*’ MfHnm RM. MELVIN KOOP
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YOU ARE W£LCO24E_ .*
Seen here are Melvin Koop Cleft) and Jake Klassen (.right) at the site of the Crestview Fellowship church site. Mr. Klassen is building foreman and Mr. Koop is the Pastor of the group presently in the St. Charles school. lAny voluntary help you can render will be greatly appreciated. Contact one of the tal lowing tor time; Building Site OR Melvin Koop Jake Klassen 179 Riverton Ave. Phone 837-9490 Phone 533-6207
9
Two Weeks’ A llowance By Amy Watters
"Kenny, here is your allowance for the week," said his father, put ting fifty cents into son's hand. "You certainly have earned it!" Kenny grinned as he thanked his dad. Now he had money from two weeks' allowance. What was he going to do with his dollar? He thought of his Sunday school class. Last week they had had a missionary, Mr. Allen, tell them what he did in Africa. He printed stories for African boys and girls so that they, too, could hear about Jesus and about His dying for them. Kenny knew then what he was go ing to do with his dollar—he would send it to Africa. Putting on his coat and cap, Ken ny started for the door. He called over his shoulder, "Dad, I might go over to Mr. Benson's for a little while." Mr. Benson was Kenny's Sunday school teacher, and he would know how to send his money to Mr. Allen. Just as he turned the corner onto Main Street, Kenny saw his best chum standing in front of Dalton's Variety Store. "Hi, Gary!" he yelled, breaking into a run. "What are your up to?" he was out of breath when he reached Gary's side. Gary pointed a stubby finger at the store window. "See those neat model planes?" he questioned. "Sure," Kenny nodded. "I've seen them there ever since last Christ mas! Maybe I'll get one some day."
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His voice sounded hopeful. "Do you have any money?" Gory wanted to know. Kenny jingled the two silver coins in his pocket. Gary's eyes grew rotmd. "How much is it, Kenny?"' "A dollar," Kenny answered proudly. "It's my allowance for two weeks. Dad even said I really earned it." "That's great!" announced Gary. "That's what 1 have, too, and those models cost only a dollar apiece— we can each get one. C'mon!" Kenny pulled away from Gary's insistent tug at his sleeve. "But . . . I — I want to send my dollar to Mr. Allen — you know, the mission ary we had in Sunday school." "Are you kidding?" Gary laughed. "Don't be so silly. Hurry up — let's go and buy a couple of those real streamlined planes, and we'll still have time to put one to gether before supper." Kenny hesitated. "Mr. Allen proL? ably has plenty of money," he thought, "and, besides, someone else will give him money tor tbe stories about Jesus." Turning to his friend, Kenny shrugged his shoul ders. "I guess it won't hurt," he said slowly. Almost before he knew it, he and Gary were inside Dalton's. The boys had a great time looking at all the model planes. Gary's excitement grew as he
looked through the large assortment of models. "Wouldn't it be terrific if we could buy all of these?" he exclaimed. "Our rooms would real ly look zommin' with planes hanging from the ceiling and sitting all over!" "Yes, I guess so, but it would be better if a boy or girl in Africa had a story about God, instead of my halving- a plane." "Oh, get off it! Is that all you can think about?" Gary scoffed. "Which one are you going to buy?" Kenny picked up the Cessna 600, and both boys went to the counter. A few moments later they walked out into the crisp March air. Gary bubbled with delight. "Let's go to your house and start gluing them," he suggested. Although Kermy nodded his head in agree ment, he wasn't at all happy about what they were doing. In fact, he was downright mdserable, but, of course, he didn't let Gory know it. Many Sundays passed after Ken ny bought his Cessna 600. He went to Sunday school every week, and each time he would think of Mr. Allen in Africa. Then one Sunday the class received a letter from him. It read; Dear Boys, Thank you for the money you gave us for the printing of sto ries. I am once more out in Af rica, printing and giving stories to African boys and girls just your age. Oh, how they love to , read them, because they learn that Jesus loves them! Boys, you have Bibles and stories to read about the Lord, but these a Bible. With only one dollar, one himdred children can hear about Je sus. The other day I was giving out stories that told about God. One little black girl came up to me, and asked if I had a story for her, too, because she didn't get one. I had to tell her that I didn't haye any left. The little girl went away crying. She may never hear about Jesus. Kenny groaned inside. "Oh, if only I had given my money to Mr. Allen instead of listening to Gary!" he thought. As Kenny walked home from (Cont'd. page II)
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NURSES FELLOWSHIP 6 Miss Minnie Janzen
A time of fellowship and blessing was shared by the nurses of the Evangelical Mennonite Conference at the Steinbach Bible Institute at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 4th. Ar rangements for the meeting had been made by the nurses presently attending the school. This very de lightful evening consisted of a de votional program and business meeting, followed by refreshments. Thirty-one nurses representing our various churches had come to fel lowship with one another, and re new acquaintances. The program was ably chaired by Miss Lena Brandt RN of Morris. She opened the meeting by reading Rom. 12 and applying it to the ser vice of a nurse. A double duet sang two songs. A skit portraying the life of a student nurse brought back memories to us all of training days. The devotional was highlighted by a talk given to us by Mrs. George Busch. The topic s he had chcosen was on "God's Love." The question of our love to God was also raised. If our obedience to God is a test of our love to Him. where do we stand? This in turn brought to mind the question asked in I John
4:20 "For he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God, whom he has not seen?" Mrs. Busch concluded her talk by relating to us experiences in her life which she felt had a def inite bearing on her and her hus band's going to India in the near future to serve in a Christian capa city on the faculty of a University in that country. She also challenged us, that if God would lay it upon our hearts, to pray for them in this intended venture. The decision to hold an EMC Nurses Fellowship on a yearly basis was made. June was chosen as the most likely month for this. Sugges tions for further activities by nurses of the conference are welcome. A committee of five members was elected with Miss Mary Friesen of Morris as president. The committee will attempt to contact all nurses of the conference before long, how ever, if we have missed you, will you please write and send us your name and address? Secretary is Miss Minnie Janzen, Blumenort, Man. Other members are: Mrs. Mel vin Toews, Miss Betty Kroeker, Mrs. Harvey Plett.
Those who were present at the Nurses Fellowship.
By now you will most likely be asking the question, what is the purpose of this? A few aims hctfve been set. They are as follows: 1. For inactive nurses to keep in contact with nursing on a Christian level. 2. Christian fellowship for a spe cific group within the conference. 3. In a special way support our nurses in the mission fields.
4. Possibly set up some method of giving financial aid to students of nursing, and to encourage them in their training. The general feeling of the group after the meeting was that we had derived spiritual blessings, and that we were looking forward to an other evening of the same nature. So, to you who were unable to at tend this time due to not having been contacted early enough, or for some other reason, those who were present would encourage you to be there next year.
TWO WEEKS' (Cont'd.)
church with his parents, he was very quiet. All he could see was his air plane in front of him. "What's the matter. Son?" his fa ther asked. "Oh, Dad, you know that time 1 started go to Mr. Benson's, and I met Gary and bought the plane, instead?" "Yes."
"Well, I should have given my al lowance to Mr. Allen, the mission ary. A little girl in Africa didn't get a story about Jesus just because I bought something for myself." That week Kenny mowed the lawn, trimmed the trees, emptied the trash, and helped with the dish es without even being told. At the end of the week, Kenny received two dollars. The next Sunday, Kenny put all his money in the missionary offer ing. "Thank you for giving me an other chance, dear Lord," Kenny prayed silently. "And please be sure that little girl gets one of the stories." — Young Pilot 11
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ORIENTATION SCHOOL? WHAT'S THAT? Akron, Pa. (MCC)—Mennonite Central Committee personnel re ceive two weeks intensive orienta tion at Akron before they are com missioned to serve in the name of Christ throughout the world. These two-week sessions ore usually held in January, April, June. July, Aug ust, September, October, and No vember.
FOR THE BUSY READER
In the U.S., every cigarette pack is required to carry this warning, "Cigraette smoking may be hazardour to your health." Abroad, the Department of Agriculture actively promotes the use of cigarettes. The department has allocated $210,000 for cigarette advertising in Austria, Japan and Thailand. "The present two-faced policy badly needs cor rection," says the New York Times.
gins in Berlin, Oct. 26, delegates from nearly 100 countries are ex pected to be present. They will come by invitation only. Meanwhile an announcement came from Peru that a week-long Third Congress of Christian Com munications will be held there Jan uary 14, 1967, to "evaluate the Con gress on Evangelism" and "to fol low up on action taken at previous conferences."
For the first time in the church's history, Roman Catholics now have Graham Ends Month-Long permission to use a Protestant Bible. London Crusade Richard Cardinal Cushing, archbi Evangelist Billy Graham ended shop of Boston, has announced offi his month-long London crusade July cial approval of the Revised Stand 2 with capacity attendance of 100,ard Version of the Oxford annotated 000 in Wembley Stadium. Bible for reading and study by Ro Celebrities present included mem man Catholics. The Catholic Church bers of parliament government offi has, however, required 14 notations, cials, and U.S. Ambassador David one of which is the reaffirmation Bruce, who read the scripture les that Mary was a virgin. son. Maj. Gen. Wilson Haffenden, No PICTURES showing a person chairman of the British crusade com drinking liquor or dressed in "im mittee, called it the biggest Christ modest'' attire may be placed on ian gathering ever seen in Britain. Graham himself said the great billboards in Iowa, according to a new ruling by a state legislative audience was telling the world "that God is not dead. He is alive. He is committee. from everlasting to everlasting, and Alternate civilian service is now He is relevant to our situation in available to conscientious objectors 1966. in France. CO's must, however, A number of British religious serve 36 months compared to 15 leaders had been openly critical months required in the army. The about the crusade, saying it was first group of 21 objectors is present a shallow, over-simplification of the ly engaged in work on a community Christian religion. But the Right Rev. development project in southern Goodwin Hudson, of the famed St. France. A number of "absolutist" Paul's Church in Portland Square, objectors — mostly Jehovah's Wit nesses—are still confined in prison. praised the crusade, saying it had "given new hope to the church Berlin Meeting when we were losing hope ... It When the World Congress on has brought thusands of new people Evangelism's 12-day conclave be- into our church."
During this training period, MCC's philosophy, program, and policies are interpreted by means of discus sion groups, lectures, interviews, field trips, reading assignments, audio-visuals, and informal group activities. General topics dealing with an overview of the MCC program, a philosophy of service and mission, and personnel standards are dis cussed, and individual instructions are given about cash advances and travel schedules.
Orientees receive additional in formation concerning their assignmeni. Reports from MCC workers, films and filmstrips pertinent to their vocation or destination, plus interviews with the administration accomplish this objective. Field guides about the country where they will serve and the people with whom they will work are given to each overseas volunteer.
Special studies include a work shop on leadership. The effective utilization of team resources, group leadership, and the handling of problem situation are some of the specific reading topics.
Orientation school, which reach es a climax at a commissioning ser vice on the final weekend, seeks to teach workers that any degree of success achieved during their term of service will depend largely upon their adaptability of their fellow workers, the people whom they are serving, and the new culture in which they find themselves. Last year 200 persons attended orientation at Akron. This year 270 are expected. Most of them will come during the summer months.
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